SUVA, Fiji (Fiji Times, Jan. 24, 2013) – Fijians are being encouraged to widen their employment prospects to as far the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which has presented job opportunities in a number of different sectors.

Minister for Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment Jone Usamate confirmed this yesterday at a press conference in Suva.

"The first three employment markets that are targeted in the UAE include the security, tourism and health care sectors," Mr. Usamate said.

He said the Ministry saw much potential in the mentioned areas.

"We intend to exploit Fijian workers' strengths in these areas which we are internationally renowned for," Mr. Usamate said.

"Other sectors such as retail trades, call centres and seafarers are also under consideration since 80 percent of UAE's population are foreign workers," he said.

"This provides more opportunities for graduates from tertiary institutions," he added.

Mr. Usamate said they had commissioned the Foreign Employment Services (FORES) to partner with them in aiding the process.

This partnership has currently proved to be a positive move given the outcome.

"The first batch of tourism candidates was sent by FORES to the UAE for finalization by clients last month, and a pioneering candidate was accepted this month and is working in an upper end five-star hotel in UAE," he confirmed.

"Fijian workers will be assessed by the UAE clients against other applicants from the rest of the world," he said.